A Snowbird Winter – part 3

We wrapped up another great winter season by early April and began the journey back up north. This part three of the winter recap will complete the summary of the major events and activities. We are very fortunate to spend the winter in a mostly warm location and without many of the usual homeowner’s chores! Plenty of spare time…

Hiking

Florida has many parks and lots of hiking opportunities. And none of them are very difficult to hike because they are flat. Usually about a zero-elevation gain makes for easy going. The park below is a local coastal park and walks along the mangroves. We like it.

Golf Cart Parade

Every year the RV park puts on a golf cart parade that is made up of ridiculously decorated carts. Many residents spend days on this endeavor all for bragging rights. Pat and I do not have a golf cart as the RV park is not that large and easy for us to walk.

50th Anniversary Dinner

This is one special event that the park volunteers coordinate every year. For all couples that are having their 50th this year or had theirs in any prior year gets an invite for a free dinner. Good food and enjoyable company as well. One of the nicer volunteer efforts for sure.

Homosassa Springs St Park

This is an incredible state park that includes a huge wildlife area and a boat ride through the marsh. We like to walk through it every year. Not many changes, but always interesting. The hippo is 65 years old and still working!

Monkey Island

Just a few miles down the road from the state park is a small attraction located along the gulf coast. Monkey Island, located in the Homosassa River in Florida, is a quirky and beloved tourist attraction with a fascinating backstory. Originally just a hazardous rock outcropping that damaged boats, the island was unintentionally created in the 1960s when developer G.A. “Furgy” Furgason instructed workers to pile dirt on the rocks to make them more visible. The result was a small island, which Furgy whimsically enhanced with a lighthouse and trees. Around the same time, a group of monkeys—originally brought to Florida for polio research by Dr. John Hamlet—proved too mischievous for the nearby wildlife park. Known for stealing candy, breaking into cars, and biting tourists, the monkeys were exiled to the newly formed island, which Furgy dubbed a “mini Alcatraz.”

Today, Monkey Island is home to several spider and squirrel monkeys who live freely on the island, delighting visitors who can observe them safely from the shore or nearby Homosassa Riverside Resort 

Brother-in Law John’s Retirement

Pat’s younger brother John recently celebrated his retirement from FedEx after 38 years with the company. We had family and several co-workers from all over the US came by for a great time. John worked his way up through the ranks beginning as a route driver and ended up in the training department.

After years of dedication, hard work, and countless contributions, you’ve truly earned this next chapter of rest, adventure, and new beginnings. 

May this new journey bring you joy, relaxation, and all the things you’ve been looking forward to. Whether it’s traveling, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying the little moments, I hope retirement is everything you dreamed it would be—and more.

Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter!

My Cousins Reunion

Every year we try to meet with my cousins from my dad’s side of the family. This year we met at a local seafood restaurant with some great food. It was good to catch up with them all. Sam and Carol like to cruise as much as we do and told of the exciting cruises from the prior months.

Lady’s Day Out in New Port Richey, FL

Some of Pat’s friends at the RV park all went out for lunch and ice cream one afternoon. This year she was in two book clubs and some other activities keeping her days busy!

Wrap Up

Thanks for following along and leave a comment as we love to hear from you! Take care and God Bless.